What❜s on This Valentine❜s Day in Sydney

Are you lucky enough to have nabbed yourself a babysitter this Valentine's Day? Love is certainly in the air this Valentine's Day in Sydney with oysters being shucked, white tablecloths getting pressed, yummy high tea menus being tested, and red carpets rolling out for the ultimate date night!

If you'll be spoiling the kids with a little romance this year too, we've also got some ideas of how to make Valentine's Day with the kids a memorable one. Who says romance is dead?!

The Best Things to do on Valentine's Day in Sydney

 1. Valentine's Day at Opera Bar

Nothing says romance more than a waterfront table for two, and when you add in views of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge you know you've got the ultimate romantic evening in Sydney! 

Opera Bar are going all out with their Valentine's Day at Opera Bar offering, which includes exclusive waterfront dining on 14 February with a delicious seafood platter and a bottle of Moët and Chandon for $199 per table (2 people per table). 

2. Valentine's Day at Merivale

Merivale are rolling out the red carpet with exquisite dining this Valentine's Day at several of their popular Sydney restaurants. From delicious French fare at Felix to Italian coastline cuisine at uccello and a five-course Cantonese banquet at Queen Chow Manly, there is absolutely no excuse to not book a table for a memorable Valentine's Day at Merivale this year.

3. Cinemas Under the Stars

If you can sneak out sans kids, then check out what's on at one of Sydney's Outdoor Cinemas. Head on over to St Ives Showground for their Sunset Drive-in Cinema sessions, or roll up to Centennial Park for Moonlight Cinema's exciting lineup, which includes - spoiler alert - The Notebook this V-Day. If you're a bird, I'm a bird! Westpac Open Air Cinema at Mrs Maquaries Point is probably the most romantic spot with stunning views over the harbour and they'll be screening all the new blockbuster movies coming out this season until the end of February.

4. Chi by Lotus at Barangaroo

Barangaroo's Chi by Lotus has you covered for a delicious lunch or dinner this V-Day. With a $89 set menu designed exclusively for the evening of 14 February, loved up couples (or hungry singles) will enjoy their stunning steamed scallops with garlic, chilli and seablite, lobster and prawn dumplings, yuzu cheesecake and so much more. The restaurant boasts beautiful water views looking out over the sunset across Barangaroo, which means it's sure to deliver on romance.

5. Valentine's Day Champainting at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo

If you're keen to kick the wild factor up a notch, book yourself a spot for some Valentine's Day Champainting at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo! You and your mate can enjoy after-hours access to WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo where you'll get to meet some of their cuddliest residents plus a couple’s paint and sip session as the sun sets on the Koala Rooftop with a bottomless drinks package and a tapas plate - perfect!

6. Swissôtel Sydney

 

The luxurious five-star Swissôtel Sydney is hosting a special pre-Valentine's Day Dinner this year. Treat your special someone to a romantic pre-valentine dinner in the newest sustainable restaurant in Sydney at Ten Stories on Saturday, the 12th of February, 2022. Enjoy a decadent dining experience designed by Executive Chef John Pugliano. Begin your evening with a welcome cocktail on arrival followed by a three-course dinner which includes a shared dessert platter with your valentine.

7. Valentine's Day at the Grounds of the City

Keep it classy this V-Day with an evening of old-school charm and romance at The Grounds of The City! Spoil your sweetheart with an indulgent, three-course Valentine's Day feast at The Grounds of The City, specially designed by Executive Chef Paul McGrath.

8. Sydney SEA LIFE Aquarium Valentine’s Day Dinner

Impress your Valentine this year with a truly unique experience - a romantic night of underwater enchantment at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium. SEA LIFE's Valentine's Day Aquarium Dining will be a truly memorable after-hours experience; an evening of great food, delicious drinks, romantic music and the unique chance to experience the aquarium in a whole new light. It's a date with a difference and is guaranteed to impress your loved one!

9. Dinner by the Water at Kingsleys Woolloomooloo

Perched in a beautiful location on the iconic Woolloomooloo Finger Wharf, the much-loved Sydney steakhouse Kingleys offers a premium, classic Australian dining experience with breathtaking harbour and city views. Share the romance with their al la carte menu followed by a special V-Day dessert: a hazelnut chocolate love heart with a strawberry tuile, chocolate crumble and caramel mousse! 

10. Lotus Double Bay

Located in the InterContinental Hotel in Double Bay, the newly opened Lotus Double Bay offers a beautiful setting for a romantic night out. With plush red booths and a $100 set dinner menu that comes complete with a glass of bubbles or cocktail on arrival and menu highlights such as Pacific oysters with finger lime and lime sorbet (Lotus' Shanghainese take on a classic aphrodisiac, you're welcome!), an assortment of dumplings and a decadent dark chocolate brownie with strawberry ice-cream to finish, you'll be hard-pressed to find a more intimate restaurant experience than Lotus this V-day! 

11.  Date Night at Home With Swanky Valentine's Day Cocktails

If you feel like having V-Day in (sans kids of course!) then crank the elegance up a notch and make some V-Day cocktails compliments of The Botanist Gin. Their Mozart Strawberry Gin Kiss is every bit as delicious as it sounds, and we've got the recipe for you! 

Mozart Strawberry Gin Kiss

Ingredients

• 30mL Mozart White Chocolate Strawberry Cream
• 30mL The Botanist Gin
• 15mL Lemon Juice
• 10mL Sugar syrup
• 1 egg white
• Top with soda

Method: Add Mozart strawberry, Botanist Gin, lemon juice, sugar syrup & egg white & ice to a shaker and shake well. Strain the ingredients into a tall glass without ice. Top with soda & garnish with a fresh strawberry. Watch the video recipe.

Bartender’s Tip: For a sweeter version, top with lemonade and add ice cream. Or for a delicious dessert, pour Mozart straight over ice-cream.

Valentine's Day Ideas With the Kids

 12. Treat the Kids to a Special High Tea

Do something ultra sweet with the kids this year, and there's nothing more special than a delicious afternoon tea at a hotel.

Sydney is loaded with elegant venues for exquisite kids high tea. From decadent high tea at the Four Seasons to a scrumptious soiree complete with harbour views at Gunner's Barracks, there's a high tea for all tastes to make the kids feel like absolute royalty this V-Day. 

13. Visit Hello Kitty Town

A dedicated Hello Kitty festival has taken over Darling Square and will be exciting kids (and kids at heart!) for the next three months! Hello Kitty Town at Darling Square is the perfect outing to spoil kids on Valentine's Day. With a giant, five-metre inflatable Hello Kitty doll, art exhibitions, installations, food, street artists, free kids fun, Hello Kitty merchandise, competitions and plenty more, the whole family will have a blast this V-Day.

14. Valentine’s Picnic

Picnics are always a great way to spend the day, and the kids can run around while you get a few minutes of relaxation in one of Sydney’s stunning parks. Here's a list of the best picnic spots across Sydney that are the perfect inspiration for Valentine’s Day Picnic.

15. Family Valentine's Movie Night

If you’re in the mood to relax and lounge around the house with a nice cuppa, then we’ve got a list of movies that the kids can watch with you! Grab some popcorn and a bag of Party Mix, and try one of these family favourites:

• Cinderella (or any of the live-action Disney films)
• Sound of Music
• The Greatest Showman
• Enchanted
• The Princess Bride
• Gnomeo and Juliet
• The Lorax

16. Valentine’s Day Crafts and Cakes

Get crafty! Crack open up some paint and have some messy fun making Valentine cards with red hearts, do hand butterflies or finger decorations. Kids can trace their hand, cut it out and write a simple I love you. Otherwise, you can dust off the cookbook and make some delicious meals and sweets. Try heart-shaped cakes, cookies or cupcakes with heart decorations, heart pancakes or cut out fruit with cookie cutters to get healthy heart-shaped morsels.

More Love-Filled Ideas in Sydney

Best Bars & Pubs in Sydney for Families
Butterfly Encounters For Kids
Chocolate Cafes In Sydney

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